With support from Safran Helicopter Engines, TotalEnergies, Airbus Helicopters, France’s defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement – DGA) has carried out the first test flight of a NH90 medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter, during which one of its two RTM322 engines ran on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This fuel was produced by TotalEnergies from used cooking oil using HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology and has a carbon footprint four times smaller than that of a fossil fuel. As such it meets the European Union’s 65% abatement requirement for sustainable fuels.
Christian Caneilles, head of Heavy Helicopter Engines programs at Safran Helicopter Engines, said, “this is an important step in our roadmap for the large-scale deployment of SAF, which will kick-start a decarbonization process within the armed forces to gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels”.
This test flight took place on February 3, 2023 at the expertise and test centre DGA Essais en vol in Istres; it marks a first for a military helicopter with such high content of SAF, and without any engine modification. The fuel meets the aviation industry’s objective of accelerating decarbonization without making any modifications to the aircraft, engine or logistics infrastructure (known as a drop-in fuel). In December 2022, a bench test at Safran Helicopter Engines’ Bordes facility validated the use of this fuel on the RTM322.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is one of initiatives from Safran Helicopter Engines aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from in-service engines. Its turbine range is already certified to run on 50% SAF. Safran Helicopter Engines is working to certify operations with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, while assessing any operational impact with its partners and customers. When a 100% incorporation level is achieved, SAF offers a potential reduction in CO2 emissions of 80%.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 76,800 employees and sales of 15,3 billion euros in 2021 and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices. Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.
